Electric Tankless Water Heaters in a Monolithic Dome

Note: We first published this article in June 2007. Dollar amounts are from that time period.

Improved and Available

Decades ago, tankless water heaters were pioneered in Europe and Asia where they are commonly used as on-demand hot water systems. Now tankless water heaters, equipped with computer chips, sensors and high-power heating elements, are available here as well.

Can a tankless water heater be used in a Monolithic Dome?

Yes, an electric tankless water heating system can be installed in a Monolithic Dome. But the decision to do so must be made before the electrical is installed. In fact, Monolithic suggests sizing the electrical system large enough so that it can accommodate on-demand water heaters.

Our experience with electric tankless water heaters has been positive, and we highly recommend them. They are cost-efficient, space-efficient and do not require drain piping. When correctly installed, they provide all the hot water needed.

Conventional vs Tankless

To maintain the water’s temperature, a conventional water tank periodically raises its temperature setting. So, it constantly keeps heating the water – even when there is no demand for it. That wastes energy, and statistics show that water heating accounts for about 20% of a household’s energy expenditure. According to Bob Vila, TV’s home-improvement expert, the annual, average operating cost of a conventional gas water heater is $200, and for a conventional electric water heater it’s $450.

A tankless water heater only heats water as it is being used. Turning the water on activates the system’s heating device, minimizing energy use and cost.

Selecting a Tankless System

Electric tankless water heaters come in various sizes. Select the size that will accommodate your needs by determining the amount of hot water you use during peak demand. Vila’s website provides an impressive amount of information on tankless hot water systems. Check it out.

What we use and sell:

It’s Eemax Hot Water Heaters, available through the Monolithic Marketplace.

For a three- or four-bedroom, two-bath Monolithic Dome home, we suggest using two Eemax EX280T2T units. For a two-bedroom, one-bath dome, use one EX280T2T unit. In our IO-20 rentals we use one EX95T unit installed under the kitchen sink.

Downloadable PDF: Eemax Hot Water Heater Size Guide

Electric tankless water heaters also work well in Monolithic Dome schools and churches. They can be installed under bathroom and kitchen sinks and in locker room showers.

Monolithic is here to help. If you have questions, please contact us: [email protected] or 972-483-7423.